December 15, 2017 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: Duquesne News
In a scathing report, Pennsylvania's auditor general this week said he would refer a complaint to the state Ethics Commission about the Duquesne City School District.
But the state-appointed receiver for the district said the practices flagged by state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale have now been "prohibited" and that the problems have not affected "instruction, programs and services" provided to Duquesne's 331 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
"Full funding has been maintained for all student instruction, programs and services," Paul B. Long said Thursday in a letter to parents and the district's elected school board.
At issue in the 42-page report released by DePasquale this week were payroll advances that administrators --- including a former school superintendent --- made to themselves without any oversight from the elected school directors or Long.
DePasquale said the advances amounted to "personal no-interest loans" and called the practice "total insanity" and "outrageous."
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December 15, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Announcements, Duquesne News
Free tax preparation services are being offered to Duquesne residents who qualify, beginning next month, Mayor Phil Krivacek said. The service is sponsored by United Way.
A workshop to help residents prepare their taxes is slated for Jan. 16 through April 17, he said.
Beginning Jan. 10, appointments can be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 2-1-1.
Additionally, a free Duquesne tax clinic will assist residents in filing their 2017 taxes. Those with a total household income of up to $45,000 or an individual income of $25,000 are encouraged to take advantage of the service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. either Feb. 23 or March 23, Krivacek said.
Contact United Way at 2-1-1 for an appointment.
December 15, 2017 |
By Cami DiBattista | Posted in: Duquesne News
Mary Louise Bittner will serve as Duquesne's acting business manager.
At Wednesday's city council meeting, outgoing Mayor Phil Krivacek said Bittner will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Frank Piccolino last month.
Bittner will serve until the next administration selects someone permanent for the position, Krivacek said. Newly elected mayor Nickole Nesby takes office after the first of the year.
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December 14, 2017 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
- Arrest records published here were provided by the McKeesport Police Department.
- Not all arrest records are published.
- A report of an arrest does not mean the person identified has been convicted of a crime.
- All people arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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December 13, 2017 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Announcements
The McKeesport Area Education Foundation and the McKeesport ROMEO Club will present a concert by the Glenn Miller Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22.
The concert, titled "In the Holiday Mood," will help raise money towards scholarships for students in the district.
"I want to applaud that because it's really a win-win for our students as well as the organization," said Mark Holtzman, school district superintendent.
Tickets are $10 and are available by sending a check or money order to McKeesport Area Education Foundation, 3590 O'Neil Blvd., McKeesport 15132.
For more information, call Andy at (412) 708-3945.
December 13, 2017 |
By Submitted Report | Posted in: Announcements
Penn State Greater Allegheny will hold community fitness classes at its new McKeesport Community Center, 410 Ninth Ave., Downtown, a spokeswoman said.
Zumba classes with Tiffani Hurt will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on the following Saturdays: Dec. 16; Jan. 13, 20 and 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; April 7, 14, 21 and 28; and May 5, 12 and 19.
Yoga classes with Anne Mason will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on the following Mondays: Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29; Feb. 5,12, 19 and 26; March 5, 12, 19 and 26; April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; and May 7 and 14.
The center is located in the former YWCA building, just off of Walnut Street.
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December 12, 2017 |
By Jason Togyer | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
(All photos: Special to Tube City Almanac)
Demolition of the vacant George Washington School in the Seventh Ward will begin soon and take about a month, weather permitting.
That's the word from David Seropian, business manager for McKeesport Area School District, who said demolition crews are going to try to preserve some items from the 1928-vintage building, which closed in 2014.
"I don't know specifically what's being saved, but there are some things we want to try to save," he said Tuesday.
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said the demolition is a positive step forward for the school's neighbors on Sumac and Freemont streets.
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December 11, 2017 |
By Staff Reports | Posted in: Crime and Police News
A former state representative from White Oak who pleaded guilty to his role in a video poker ring has been sentenced to 18 months of electronic monitoring.
Marc J. Gergely, 48, also was sentenced Monday to two years' probation after pleading guilty before Allegheny County Judge Ed Borkowski to violating state election laws and conspiracy to violate state gambling laws, court officials said.
Both charges are misdemeanors.
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December 11, 2017 |
By Mary Shelly | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
The vacant George Washington Elementary School will be demolished.
At last week’s board meeting, the McKeesport Area School Board voted to withdraw money from the district’s fund balance to tear down the school, which closed in 2014.
Located in the Seventh Ward between Freemont and Sumac streets, the building, constructed in 1928, sits on nearly two acres of land.
In other business, Superintendent Mark Holtzman reported on his recent study of the district, conducted along with Tia Wanzo, assistant to the superintendent.
Holtzman said a mix of staff interviews and surveys were used to collect data on what they believe are the “core values” of the district.
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December 11, 2017 |
By Mary Shelly | Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Magisterial District Judge Eugene F. Riazzi swore in newly elected McKeesport Area school directors Ivan Hampton, Thomas Filotei, James Poston and David Donato at last week's meeting.
The board unanimously voted for School Director Joe Lopretto to serve again as school board president for 2018 and for Mary Jane Keller to serve as vice president.
"I will try to do the best I can, as usual," Lopretto said.
(Mary Shelly photo, special to Tube City Almanac)
